Low Voltage Directive

Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

What is the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU)?

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU is a European safety regulation that applies to electrical equipment designed for use within specific voltage limits. Its purpose is to ensure that electrical products placed on the EU and EEA market are safe and do not pose risks to people, domestic animals, or property.

The LVD has undergone several revisions, with the current version applying since April 2016, and remains a core requirement for most electrical equipment.

Compliance with the LVD is mandatory and is demonstrated through CE marking, a Declaration of Conformity, and a supporting Technical File.

What Voltage Ranges are Covered by the LVD?

The Low Voltage Directive applies to electrical equipment operating within the following limits:

  • 50 V to 1000 V AC (alternating current)

  • 75 V to 1500 V DC (direct current)

Equipment operating outside these ranges may fall under other legislation but not the LVD.

What Types of Equipment Are Covered?

The LVD applies to a wide range of consumer, commercial, and professional electrical equipment, including:

  • Household and commercial appliances

  • Electrical cables and wiring systems

  • Power supply units and chargers

  • Laser equipment

  • Certain electrical components (e.g. fuses, connectors)

    Does the Low Voltage Directive Apply to my Product?

    The LVD applies if your product:

    • Is electrical equipment within the specified voltage limits

    • Is placed on the EU or EEA market, or

    • Is brought into service within the EU/EEA

    This applies regardless of whether the equipment is intended for:

    • Domestic use

    • Commercial use

    • Industrial use

    If your product falls within the scope of the LVD, compliance is legally required before it can be placed on the market.

    Find Out if you need to consider the LVD

    Demonstrating Compliance with LVD

    The LVD applies if your product:

    • Is electrical equipment within the specified voltage limits

    • Is placed on the EU or EEA market, or

    • Is brought into service within the EU/EEA

    This applies regardless of whether the equipment is intended for:

    • Domestic use

    • Commercial use

    • Industrial use

    If your product falls within the scope of the LVD, compliance is legally required before it can be placed on the market.

    LVD Required Documentation

    To comply with the LVD and apply CE marking, manufacturers must:

    • Carry out a safety assessment.

    • Compile an LVD Technical File.

    • Produce user instructions and safety information.

    • Issue a Declaration of Conformity.

    • Affix the CE marking to the product.

    Low Voltage Directive and UKCA Marking (UK Regulations)

    As of 2025, electrical equipment placed on the Great Britain market must comply with the UK Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations.

    The conformity assessment process is very similar to the EU Low Voltage Directive, but UK-specific requirements apply, including:

    • UKCA marking (where required)

    • UK Declaration of Conformity.

    Helpful Resources:

    Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, read the full Directive on the Official Journal here.

    We offer tailored services to support your LVD compliance journey.

    The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.

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    How Can Technology International Help with LVD compliance?

    TTechnology International provides expert support for manufacturers needing to demonstrate compliance with the Low Voltage Directive and UK electrical safety regulations.

    Our LVD Services include:

    •     LVD scope and applicability assessments,

    •  Safety and standards compliance consultancy,

    •  Harmonised standard identification and application.

    •  LVD Technical File development and review.

    •  Declaration of Conformity support.

    •  Ongoing technical and regulatory support

    •  CE Marking guidance and UKCA Guidance

    For more details on the services we can offer please contact us. Whatever a client’s individual requirements Technology International services are tailored to your technology, market, and commercial objectives.

     

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    Why work with Technology International?

    Technology International’s goal is to simplify and guide our customer confidently through the complicated process of UKCA / CE Marking and other Regulations from start to finish.

    Approved Body for Machinery, Electromagnetic Compatibility and Radio Equipment Regulations.

    We have been a presence in the Regulatory Compliance industry for over 30 years and have worked on over 10,000 compliance projects worldwide.

    We are committed to an ethical, bespoke and consultative approach to all our customers.

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